Why Open Source Does Not Guarantee Freedom of Choice of Supplier

Proponents of open source software say that open source can get rid of binding to the vendor, to stop being held hostage to a particular vendor’s technology solutions. This advantage, however, is not so obvious when it comes to Software as a Service, (SaaS) and services based on cloud platforms. The essence is simple: the so-called open cloud is the proprietary cloud platform. Therefore, companies that choose to open cloud decisions remain unwitting hostages to their developers.

Open-source software increases flexibility, but not free from the shackles

The yield of “open” platform VMforce more deeply reflect on the relationship between open source and vendor-dependent. However, before you begin to speculate on this subject, I would like to remind you that open source does not guarantee freedom of choice, even if it is not about the cloud and the local infrastructure.

Access to the source code really enhances the degree of flexibility. According to conventional wisdom, the desire to vendors make users dependent on two factors constrain ourselves: the risk out of the project beyond the open-source software and the threat of the transition from client fees for outdoor commercial product to use free open-source software.

However, these conventional views are not always correct. In the end, without creating a strong community of third-party developers to choose one of two possible scenarios is not very much possible. Thus, the search for technical support for free solution is not always easy, and in the context of long-term perspective, this is not an option. Consequently, there are still some risks for the suppliers of open solutions that discourage customers from their paid products. Surely if there is a good plan and community support, which you can rely on, the migration of your company to open an alternative commercial product should pass easily.

Open standards allow to get rid of the shackles of technology which is much more efficient than open source software. For example, there are many open standards implemented regardless of the availability of source code, is the driving force behind the spread of Java EE. This is a good example for more freedom of action.

Open API, open source is not given free rein in the clouds

Return to the issue of cloud computing. Rely solely on open source software in order to increase freedom of action in deploying cloud platforms, or the transition to SaaS – but search for new challenges. As open source does not exempt you from binding to the vendor (although supporters are unlikely to agree with this), just do not do open SaaS and open cloud platform. This also applies to open cloud hosting platforms that are run and maintained by specific providers.

On the other hand, if the application is based on open programming interfaces, already tested by third-party suppliers, you have a real opportunity to move your application to any other place. The difference between simply open API and open API are tested by any other company, is only theoretical: the freedom of action you get in that, and in another case. Whenever decisions try to achieve the greatest possible freedom of action.